On Sunday, December 9, the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce will dedicate this year’s Chamber Christmas Tree in memory of Pete Bissen, a Greenleafton resident who was an active volunteer in the Preston community. The ceremony will be held in front of Preston City Hall in Preston, Minn., and will begin at approximately 1 p.m.
The ceremony will include a welcome from the PACC Executive Director and President, a prayer from Pastor Roger Lokker from Greenleafton Reformed Church, and a few words from friends. The family of Bissen will also be in attendance.
Bissen was very active around the Preston area. He was a longtime volunteer EMT for the Preston Ambulance. He coached High School Jr. League Bowling at the B&B Olympic Bowl, was a Boy Scout leader, and volunteered at Greenleafton Reformed Church. Bissen participated in the PACC Annual Trout Days Golf Tournament year after year. He was also an avid sports fan for the Fillmore Central Falcons, MN Vikings and the MN Twins. Bissen was a vibrant part of the Preston-Greenleafton community and is missed by many, including his wife, Annie-Laurie, and two sons, Jay and Joshua.
The PACC Christmas Tree Dedication Ceremony began in 2014. The intent of the ceremony is to dedicate the Christmas Tree in memory of individuals who have served the community in some way. Nominations are made each year to the chamber board and the board makes a selection from the nominations. This year the tree is donated by Blossom Hill Orchard and Farm.
For more information on the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce and upcoming events in Preston, please contact Gabby Kinneberg at (507) 765-2153 or visit the Chamber’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/prestonmnchamberandtourism.